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Tips to Deal with Common Sleep Disorders

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says that sleep disorders affect a staggering 10 million people living with arthritis in the United States alone. Plus, studies show that your risk of having insomnia is 30% higher if you have arthritis in comparison to your healthy counterparts. Even then, you can improve your sleep using one (or a combination) of the following ways.

Sleep in Spinal Alignment

Health experts recommend that you should try to align your spine to your head when you sleep. In other words, take your head to be an extension of your spine. Essentially, this means that you shouldn’t extremely bend or tilt it back. The idea is to prevent cervical radiculopathy, a condition characterized by tingling, weakness, and pain in one or both arms. Likewise, if you’re a side sleeper, be sure to support your neck and head to help straighten the spine.

Use Neck Pillows

Invest in a good, wide pillow to provide support for your neck and shoulders. The pillow should be soft enough to allow you to shape and reshape it. If you’re a side sleeper, choose one that’s tall enough to bridge the space between your mattress and your ear. And, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Visit https://freeyourspine.info/best-cervical-pillows-for-neck-pain/ to view a collection of the best neck pillows to help ease the intensity of neck pain as you sleep.

Don’t Sleep on Your Stomach

It is almost impossible to sleep on your stomach without turning your head. This sleeping position, by extension, strains your spine further aggravating your neck pain. Think of it as the same as remaining in the same position during your work day with your neck twisted. Obviously, you wouldn’t be able to hold your neck for six hours without your back aching.

Use a Neck Collar

One of the best ways to prevent your neck from collapsing during sleep is to wear a neck color. The collar should be soft and skin-friendly though. With regular use, it will help ease morning stiffness and pain. However, you should consult your doctor to know if a neck collar is a good option for you.

In Conclusion

Chronic neck pain can reduce your productivity so you should be mindful of how you sleep. It is even riskier if you have arthritis. On top of using the suggestions above, make sure that you’re in constant contact with your doctor for advice on how to get a good night’s sleep.